Seniors Step Out For Annual Golden Gathering

LAGRANGEVILLE, NY—Hundreds of local seniors turned out yesterday for the Third Annual Senior Golden Gathering hosted by Senator Sue Serino at Arlington High School. The event brought over 130 local businesses, organizations, government representatives and health providers together to give area seniors access to important health screenings, flu shots and various resources aimed at helping them age better, here in our community.

Senator Sue Serino, who Chairs the Senate’s Aging Committee, said, “Many of our seniors have dedicated their lives to building up our local community, which is why ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to enjoy their Golden Years here locally, has been one of my highest priorities. The Golden Gathering brings some of our community’s best and most unique amenities together under one roof for the benefit of our seniors and their families and I thank all of the organizations, volunteers and Arlington High School staff who helped to make the event a tremendous success once again. I am especially grateful to the McCann Charitable Trust for making this event possible, and the Dutchess County Office for the Aging who goes above and beyond for local seniors each and every day.”

Todd Tancredi, Director of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, said, “Senator Serino’s Annual Golden Gathering is a fantastic opportunity for senior citizens throughout Dutchess County to learn more about resources that are available to them and their families. The Dutchess County Office for the Aging is pleased to take part in this wonderful event.”With vendors representing industries from hobbyists to tourism and everything in between, the event was far more than just a senior health fair. Live performances by the famous Bob Martinson and Mark Katz, as well as the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, brought the attendees to their feet, and over twenty organizations donated door prizes, including the grand prize—a membership for and package of tickets to two shows at the world-famous Bardavon Opera House.

New to this year’s event, the Office of the New York State Comptroller was on hand to connect area seniors to any unclaimed funds that they might have with the state.

With New York holding billions in lost money, thousands of local residents have funds waiting to be collected. A representative from the office was on hand to identify those with unclaimed funds, and to walk them through the process of reclaiming them.

Senator Serino encourages members of the community who were not able to attend Saturday’s event to check the Comptroller’s database for unclaimed funds by visiting: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/.

Thanks once again to the generosity of the James J. McCann Charitable Trust, the event was free for all who attended.